A source said: “When the patient woke in theatre recovery they started coughing and spluttering which is unusual. Three recovery nurses were in close proximity to the person.

“The patient was due to be moved back to their ward but were refused because of their symptoms.

“At this point bosses realised the three staff who’d came into close contact with him should be isolated and tested.

“They finished at 8pm but had to wait until midnight until a virologist had seen them.

3

3

“They aren’t allowed back until they are given the all clear.”

Another member of staff at the hospital - an Operating Department Practitioner - was sent home after he visited a country recently deemed high risk.

NHS Lothian said: “We take the health of our staff, patients and the wider population seriously and have stringent measures in place to minimise risks around COVID-19, however we are unable to comment on individual staff or patients.”